National, May 21: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on May 21 paid tribute to his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 35th death anniversary, reaffirming his commitment to carrying forward the vision of a “skilled, prosperous and strong India”.
In a message shared on X, Rahul Gandhi said he would continue to uphold the ideals and responsibilities envisioned by the former Prime Minister. He stated that Rajiv Gandhi’s teachings, values and memories would remain a lasting source of inspiration.
Senior Congress leaders gathered at Vir Bhumi in New Delhi to pay floral tributes to the late leader. Those present included Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Priyanka Gandhi’s children, Miraya and Raihan Vadra, also attended the homage ceremony.
Several senior Congress figures, including Ashok Gehlot, P. Chidambaram, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Mukul Wasnik, also offered tributes.
Kharge described Rajiv Gandhi as a “remarkable son of India” and highlighted his role in shaping modern India through reforms such as reducing the voting age to 18 years, strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, encouraging the growth of the telecom and information technology sectors, and introducing a forward-looking education policy.
Rajiv Gandhi became India’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 40 after assuming office in October 1984 following the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991, during an election rally at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu in a suicide bombing carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
